Russia has introduced legislative changes permitting mass confiscation of housing in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, branding them as “ownerless.” Occupation administrations can now declare apartments and houses “ownerless” and transfer them to loyal Russian citizens.
The law facilitates the distribution of confiscated housing among Russian military, officials, and public sector workers brought into the region. Experts note this mechanism will lead to large-scale expropriation of Ukrainian property. Previously a local practice, housing expropriation is now federally formalized.
The threat affects both those who had to leave due to the war and those residing in occupied areas. The lack of clear criteria for declaring property “ownerless” allows occupation authorities broad discretion.
The law will remain in effect until 2030, coinciding with Russia’s political cycle. Experts warn this is part of systemic replacement of local populations by incoming Russian citizens and consolidation of occupation control. Additionally, Russia is further tightening information space restrictions and limiting access to Ukrainian media.
In response, there have been calls to expropriate Russian assets abroad, including real estate and finances of Russian oligarchs in Europe, as a symmetric response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Experts stress the need for swift international action to protect Ukrainian citizens’ property rights.
Ultimately, the fate of property in occupied territories raises serious concerns and requires coordinated action between Ukraine and its Western partners to safeguard property and citizens' rights.
